A "PocketPC" is commonly referred to as a small-scale (hand-held) computer that runs Microsoft’s PocketPC/Windows Mobile software.

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A Pocket PC is commonly referred to as a handheld computer that runs a version of Microsoft’s proprietary mobile operating systems.

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As an operating system, Microsoft PocketPC, sometimes referred to as P/PC or PPC, is based upon the Windows CE framework. There are a few variants of this OS, namely "PocketPC 2000," "PocketPC 2002," "Windows Mobile 2003 (and Windows Mobile 2003 SE)," and the latest, "Windows Mobile 5.0.” Additional variants exist for [[SmartPhones]], such as Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone edition. The PDA version of the operating system can often be found in such devices as the Compaq iPaq, HP Jornada, and Dell Axim. Some popular features of PocketPC devices are their inclusion of "mobile" versions of such office software as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, using Microsoft's ActiveSync program as a companion, a PocketPC-based device can "synch" with a parent computer. In this way, the PocketPC device can easily hold such data items as Microsoft Outlook contacts and appointments, as well as mobile versions of Word and Excel documents.

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In 2001, PDAs with Palm OS installed enjoyed a market share of about 72 percent, while PocketPC held a meager 15 percent. However, by the fourth quarter of 2004, Microsoft PocketPC and Palm OS were practically tied. With sales of Palm OS devices down, PocketPC-based devices had a market share of 40.2 percent to Palm's 40.7 percent. This is evidence of the growing popularity of PocketPC-based devices, and thus the increased likeliness one will encounter such a device "in the field."

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[[Image:Pocketpc.jpg|thumb|Acer Pocket PC]]

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Microsoft Pocket PC, sometimes referred to as P/PC or PPC, is based upon the Windows CE framework. Variants of this operating system include versions such as Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003/2003 SE, and Windows Mobile 5.0. Variants also exist for [[SmartPhones]], such as Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone edition.

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== History ==

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One of the key benefits of Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform is file format compatibility with the desktop versions of the company's productivity software. Mobile versions of Microsoft software, such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket PowerPoint, allow individuals to view and edit these files outside of the home and office.

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The PocketPC operating system began as Windows CE in November of 1996. The NEC MobilePro 200 and the Casio A-10 were the first two PDA-type device available with this early version of the operating system. From here, Windows CE continued in development through versions 2 (with such devices as the MD Elan SC400, DEC SA1100, Hitachi SuperH 3, NEC VR4101, Philips DR 31500, and the Toshiba TX3912).

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Another benefit is integration with Microsoft's cross-platform solution, the .NET Framework. The .NET Framework and its associated class libraries handle things such as memory management, file I/O, and many other functions. The .NET Framework allows programmers to develop code in one of several .NET languages, such as C# and VB.NET. Pocket PCs run a simplified version of the framework called the .NET Compact Framework.

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In order to maintain synchronization and connectivity with desktop computers, Microsft developed the ActiveSync program. The user merely has to connect the Pocket PC to the desktop computer in order to synchronize items such as appointments, contact lists, and even multimedia files.

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In 2001, [[PDAs]] running Palm OS variants held a market share of about 72%, while Pocket PC held a meager 15% of the market. However, by the fourth quarter of 2004, Microsoft Pocket PC and Palm OS were practically tied with regards to market share -- Pocket PC-based devices had a market share of 40.2% while Palm OS claimed 40.7% of the market. This upward trend clearly illustrates the growing popularity of Pocket PC-based devices, and thus the increased likelihood that one will encounter such a device in the field.

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=PocketPC Variants=

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As previously noted, there exist many variants of the PocketPC operating system. Below are a summary of each.

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==PocketPC 2000==

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== History ==

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Windows CE, which serves as the framework for the Pocket PC operating systems, began its life in November of 1996. The NEC MobilePro 200 and the Casio A-10 were the first two PDA-type devices available with this early version of the operating system, which was dubbed Handheld PC 1.0.

As development of Windows CE continued, manufacturers began to build more esoteric devices around it, such as internet TV set-top boxes and web-enabled telephones.

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==Windows Mobile 2003/SE==

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Pocket PC officially began its public life when it was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2000. Codenamed "Rapier", the first version of the Pocket PC operating system was simply named Pocket PC.

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=Pocket PC Variants=

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==Windows Mobile 5.0==

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==Pocket PC 2000==

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Pocket PC 2000, based on Micrsoft's Windows CE 3.0 platform, was a first step towards the familiar appearance and functionality that is offered by Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices running Pocket PC 2000 ranged from the Askey PC010, which had a 16-color grayscale screen with no expansion slots, to the Casio EM-500, which had a 64k color screen and provisions for upgraded pheripherals such as cameras. Pocket PC 2000 launched with versions of Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Microsoft Reader bundled. ActiveSync 3.1, which provided an easier way to install applications onto the Pocket PC, was required to synchronize with host desktop machines.

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==Pocket PC 2002==

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Codenamed "Merlin," Pocket PC 2002 was Microsoft's Windows CE 3.0-based upgrade to Pocket PC 200. Pocket PC 2002 offered many improvements over the previous operating system, including a Terminal Service Client, a new mail Inbox, Windows Media Player 8.0, improved versions of Pocket Word and MS Reader, and many other features.

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There were three service packs (EUUU1/2/3) released which addressed bugs and other issues in the original release.

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==Windows Mobile Versions 2002, 2003, 2003 Second Edition, and 5.0==

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Please see [[Microsoft Windows Mobile]] for more information on these Operating Systems.

=Pocket PC Devices=

=Pocket PC Devices=

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In recent years, a number of manufacturers have elected to produce Pocket PC devices. Some of these makers include companies such as:

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* Acer

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* Asus

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* Audiovox

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* Dell

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* HP

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* Mitac

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* Motorola

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* Samsung

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* Siemens

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* Symbol

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* Treo

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Because different manufacturers are targeted at different segments of the market, such as business and consumers, the features and functionality of these devices sometimes differ greatly. For example, some devices have built-in capability for taking images and videos, while other devices have tools such as biometric fingerprint readers and barcode scanners.

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'''References:'''

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=References=

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[http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/ The History of Microsoft Windows CE]

[http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/ The History of Microsoft Windows CE]

Revision as of 22:20, 24 March 2006

Contents

Overview

A Pocket PC is commonly referred to as a handheld computer that runs a version of Microsoft’s proprietary mobile operating systems.

Acer Pocket PC

Microsoft Pocket PC, sometimes referred to as P/PC or PPC, is based upon the Windows CE framework. Variants of this operating system include versions such as Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003/2003 SE, and Windows Mobile 5.0. Variants also exist for SmartPhones, such as Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone edition.

One of the key benefits of Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform is file format compatibility with the desktop versions of the company's productivity software. Mobile versions of Microsoft software, such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket PowerPoint, allow individuals to view and edit these files outside of the home and office.

Another benefit is integration with Microsoft's cross-platform solution, the .NET Framework. The .NET Framework and its associated class libraries handle things such as memory management, file I/O, and many other functions. The .NET Framework allows programmers to develop code in one of several .NET languages, such as C# and VB.NET. Pocket PCs run a simplified version of the framework called the .NET Compact Framework.

In order to maintain synchronization and connectivity with desktop computers, Microsft developed the ActiveSync program. The user merely has to connect the Pocket PC to the desktop computer in order to synchronize items such as appointments, contact lists, and even multimedia files.

In 2001, PDAs running Palm OS variants held a market share of about 72%, while Pocket PC held a meager 15% of the market. However, by the fourth quarter of 2004, Microsoft Pocket PC and Palm OS were practically tied with regards to market share -- Pocket PC-based devices had a market share of 40.2% while Palm OS claimed 40.7% of the market. This upward trend clearly illustrates the growing popularity of Pocket PC-based devices, and thus the increased likelihood that one will encounter such a device in the field.

History

Windows CE, which serves as the framework for the Pocket PC operating systems, began its life in November of 1996. The NEC MobilePro 200 and the Casio A-10 were the first two PDA-type devices available with this early version of the operating system, which was dubbed Handheld PC 1.0.

As development of Windows CE continued, manufacturers began to build more esoteric devices around it, such as internet TV set-top boxes and web-enabled telephones.

Pocket PC officially began its public life when it was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2000. Codenamed "Rapier", the first version of the Pocket PC operating system was simply named Pocket PC.

Pocket PC Variants

Pocket PC 2000

Pocket PC 2000, based on Micrsoft's Windows CE 3.0 platform, was a first step towards the familiar appearance and functionality that is offered by Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices running Pocket PC 2000 ranged from the Askey PC010, which had a 16-color grayscale screen with no expansion slots, to the Casio EM-500, which had a 64k color screen and provisions for upgraded pheripherals such as cameras. Pocket PC 2000 launched with versions of Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Microsoft Reader bundled. ActiveSync 3.1, which provided an easier way to install applications onto the Pocket PC, was required to synchronize with host desktop machines.

Pocket PC 2002

Codenamed "Merlin," Pocket PC 2002 was Microsoft's Windows CE 3.0-based upgrade to Pocket PC 200. Pocket PC 2002 offered many improvements over the previous operating system, including a Terminal Service Client, a new mail Inbox, Windows Media Player 8.0, improved versions of Pocket Word and MS Reader, and many other features.

There were three service packs (EUUU1/2/3) released which addressed bugs and other issues in the original release.

Windows Mobile Versions 2002, 2003, 2003 Second Edition, and 5.0

Pocket PC Devices

In recent years, a number of manufacturers have elected to produce Pocket PC devices. Some of these makers include companies such as:

Acer

Asus

Audiovox

Dell

HP

Mitac

Motorola

Samsung

Siemens

Symbol

Treo

Because different manufacturers are targeted at different segments of the market, such as business and consumers, the features and functionality of these devices sometimes differ greatly. For example, some devices have built-in capability for taking images and videos, while other devices have tools such as biometric fingerprint readers and barcode scanners.